Australian Open organizers have increased prize money to a record Australian dollars 30 million ($31.1 million) for the first tennis major of 2013 in response to player concerns about compensation at Grand Slam tournaments.

Tournament director Craig Tiley said the A$4 million ($4.15 million) increase, announced Tuesday, was the largest from one year to the next in the tournament's history.

The move followed reports that some players were considering bypassing the tournament if prize money was not increased, particularly for losers in the early rounds.

Tiley said "we're proud of the fact we've gone to record prize money. We are supporting the lower-ranked players in their quest for compensation."

Tiley said Rafael Nadal had contacted him to confirm he plans to play in the tournament, despite recent injuries.

Good job Raffer! No point wasting any more opportunities at your age. The window is closing so time to make your best effort before things get worse. Nadal/Djokovic semifinal sounds good.

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His age? He's almost 5 years younger than Federer, and only dropped one set at Roland Garros this year! Will be a long long time before you see the end of Rafa. Imagine how long it will take for him to struggle at Roland Garros....an eternity. Even though he wants to be a professional golfter, his competitive instincts will make it very hard to turn his back on tennis (especially the gimme title of Roland Garros). And he knows he can play professional golf long after his 30s.

His age? He's almost 5 years younger than Federer, and only dropped one set at Roland Garros this year! Will be a long long time before you see the end of Rafa. Imagine how long it will take for him to struggle at Roland Garros....an eternity. Even though he wants to be a professional golfter, his competitive instincts will make it very hard to turn his back on tennis (especially the gimme title of Roland Garros). And he knows he can play professional golf long after his 30s.

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And then Nadal will go on to become the only human in world history to win the US Open in tennis and golf.

What a mind game by Rafa's camp. First they said they're not sure, now Rafa said he will play AO 2013.

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The article says he plans to play, which is exactly what he said a couple of day ago. That doesn't mean he's 100% sure and since he hasn't even started to practice on court yet, you can't say "he's ready to play".

The article says he plans to play, which is exactly what he said a couple of day ago. That doesn't mean he's 100% sure and since he hasn't even started to practice on court yet, you can't say "he's ready to play".

Yes, he said a long time ago that the plan is to start the season in good condition, but this doesn't mean it's 100% sure it's going to happen.
Sometimes things don't work out as planned but I guess he's got plenty of time...

Yes, he said a long time ago that the plan is to start the season in good condition, but this doesn't mean it's 100% sure it's going to happen.
Sometimes things don't work out as planned but I guess he's got plenty of time...

The timing of Rafa's comeback is fishy? I don't get you people. He's returning at the end of december instead of the indoor season. It's the only obvious thing to do. He's had a torn patella, so clearly he's not going to rush that and jeopardize the Australian Open all for the meaningless indoor season.

The timing of Rafa's comeback is fishy? I don't get you people. He's returning at the end of december instead of the indoor season. It's the only obvious thing to do. He's had a torn patella, so clearly he's not going to rush that and jeopardize the Australian Open all for the meaningless indoor season.

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No no not that the fact that he announced is right after the Aussie increased its prize money

But has he made an announcement?. It was the tournament director who said Rafa told him he plans to play, and I don't think we know when he contact him.

If there would be a boycott, Rafa would probably take part in it, whether he is in the council or not.

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Incorrect. Rafa has already committed to the Australian Open. And guess what? The Player's Council haven't decided on whether they'll play or not. Rafa doesn't care about the Player's Council. He doesn't attend their meetings, and has no connection with them.

I hope the money increase was mostly for the lesser players. Extra prize money for top players who make every semi is pretty irrelevant to their lives but would make a massive difference to dozens of other earners.

For Nadal-Murray, Rafa has met Andy on HC 11 times, Nadal leading 6-5.

Boy, that Nadal is sure good at preserving his legacy.

It's not in Nadal's best interest to duck anyone. If he wants to remain relevant on tour he has to face the top guys head on. Look at what Djokovic did to him in 2011 and yet Nadal came back to reclaim clay next year and nearly beat him in AO as well.

you should make a thread with a poll and ask talk tennis "who is tennis." i wonder who would win...

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A large portion of words uttered about Rafa are by federer fans. They will never admit it (so forget your poll idea) but Rafa means more to them than Federer. When Rafa doesn't play, they talk about him far more than when he plays. His absence has made that clear. He is front, back and center of their minds.

Imagine if federer was absent for a year, Rafa fans wouldn't be interested in Federer's recovery or future, and would focus on their own player - Rafa.

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Who said we want rafa back. The threads created mostly that 'i miss rafa' are after Feds quarterfinal USO exit and everyone wants to see some thrilling finals, so that is the reason, the so called fed fans wanted him back :twisted:

Incorrect. Rafa has already committed to the Australian Open. And guess what? The Player's Council haven't decided on whether they'll play or not. Rafa doesn't care about the Player's Council. He doesn't attend their meetings, and has no connection with them.

I hope the money increase was mostly for the lesser players. Extra prize money for top players who make every semi is pretty irrelevant to their lives but would make a massive difference to dozens of other earners.

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Good thing indeed for the first rounders who has to shell out for hotel, airfare and various expenses. Only those who gets to being in the top 20s consistently can afford a better life as a professional.